The Rhythmo BeatBox ($TBA) is a DIY project that was meant to be a cost-effective first step in making music. It uses a cardboard box as a platform and leaves it up to the future performer to assemble it (no soldering required). It can be built in under one hour and uses an array of arcade buttons, knobs, and a joystick for control. A companion app handles much of the sound processing, and it also can serve as a standard MIDI controller. Creations can be enjoyed via the built-in speakers, through headphones, or through external speakers attached to the headphone jack.
Released in 1970, JBL's L100 ($4,000) became a classic both for its sound and its eye-catching design. The L100 Classic is updated with modern components. Behind the removable, iconic Quadrex foam grille sits a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, a 5-inch pure-pulp cone mid-range driver, and a 12-inch pure-pulp woofer with a bass-reflex enclosure and front-firing port. The result is a speaker that can hold its own against contemporary options, with a design that pairs perfectly with vintage pieces, particularly when paired with the JS-120 stand.
For DJs on-the-go, the DJ2GO2 from Numark ($79) is the portable option many need. I know I would. The smallest full-featured DJ controller available is small enough to fit on top of your laptop and is easy to setup and connect to speakers through the master 1/8" output. The DJ2GO2 has a built-in sound card, crossfader, two channels with pitch control, headphone output, and the ability to browse and load songs. It's ideal for smaller gigs, as an emergency backup, or for preparing for your next big showcase. Find out more information on Numark website.
Most people use there phones to wake them up, but what if there was a smart alarm clock to assist. Let me introduce you to The Sandman Doppler Alarm Clock ($119) not only does it wakes you up with a customized, soothing tone but is Alexa enabled, giving it a broad range of important functions. It's equipped with high-quality stereo speakers, giving you the option to ask Alexa to play music, or control your smartphone using the Bluetooth connectivity. That clock's dashboard is also fully customizable, giving you the day of the week, weather, and even your work commute or a check on the stock market. It has six USB ports for charging and will even connect to multiple smart devices in your home so you can control them with a push of a button. Check out more information on Doppler Alarm Clock on Kickstarter.
The aesthetics on this amp are just beautiful. The Billie Amp ($600), which is named after the jazz singer Billie Holiday promises to bring smooth sound into your home no matter the source. It has dual inputs for both analog and digital sources, a dedicated turntable input, and aptX Bluetooth, all of which pass through the custom-built tube preamp before the Class D ICEpower Bang & Olufsen amp sends the signal out to your speakers. There's also a powerful headphone amp with a convenient front connection jack, and to ensure everything looks as good as it sounds, it has wooden volume and source selection knobs that add warmth to the machined aluminum body. Get more info on there Kickstarter page.
If anyone out there is like me, you're driving the chilluns around, heading to work, and focusing on the everyday life... Suddenly, "uh oh...what's that sound? Why's my car making that sound?" You try to block it out by turning up the radio, but it's too late... panic has taken hold. You feel every weird shimmy the car makes and deep down, you start to think about the very limited car knowledge that you possess trying to figure out what the friggin problem is with this stupid car, how much it's going to be, and when was the last time you had it serviced (you're pretty sure it wasn't THAT long ago). Every single detail of your mutual love/hate relationship with your car stands out in stark contrast from the amazing day you had planned.
Luckily, I have found a solution that will ease all of your slowly growing stress ulcers... meet Drivebot. Drivebot is a dongle that connects to your OBD-II (On Board Diagnostic port) that monitors your cars health and alerts you on your smartphone via Bluetooth when there's a problem. Upon detection, it provides simple instructions of possible quick fixes. Plus, it monitors your driving behavior and how to save gas with driving suggestions on how to save. Who doesn't like that idea?! Oh! And before I forget, for those of you who go on business trips and/or have to log your every move with your vehicle, Drivebot can export the data and email it to you as a report. Knowing what's wrong in advance can give you that much needed leg up when you bring your car to that scheister mechanic (who you totally know is trying to take you for a ride), and can help in avoiding the possible douchebag all together. Yay to that! With the proper mental preparation and new knowledge that you now possess, all your bad little thoughts and worries can ease away.
